Ball game and apparatus

ABSTRACT

For a ball game of the football type, a structured goal having a rigid surface that has a hemispherical outline and includes multiple colored zones for graded scoring purposes is provided, together with a layout for a playing field or pitch that limits player access near the goal by team, and a set of rules. The rigid goal lets the ball bounce back. For scoring purposes the zones may be equipped with individual zone impact-indicating means such as bells, electrical transducers, nearby cameras, or be supported on hinged mounts in order to show an impact by movement. The layout, the rules and the goal structure are intended to provide a faster game with higher score numbers.

FIELD

The invention relates to ball games and related equipment and rules,particularly to goals and fields for use by competing teams.

DEFINITIONS

“Football”: The popular team sport sometimes known as “soccer” or“Association Football”—typically using a spherical ball. (This inventionmay be used with rugby balls or American footballs).

“Diving”: When players of a sport employ acting skills to gainadvantageous decisions from a referee or umpire.

BACKGROUND

The “beautiful game” of football is a popular hobby and spectator sport.The inventor intends to overcome some disadvantages of the game offootball as it is played or performed at present. The following are someperceived disadvantages. While the invention as described in thisspecification may never replace the present game, it may provide arewarding alternative.

Firstly, scoring in football is relatively infrequent, with commonscores in national and international matches being low integers close toor equal to zero. For example, 1-0, 1-1, or a 0-0 scoreless draw and insome cases a “penalty shootout” is required, which tests differentskills to those of team work. As a result of the low scores there isless opportunity to differentiate the performance of one team againstothers than if the scores could range up to perhaps 50 or even 100 froma game of equivalent length. Field hockey is another example of alow-scoring type of game.

Secondly, football matches often involve extended periods of defensiveplay, reducing enjoyment for players and spectators.

Thirdly, the conduct of football players at higher levels of the gamecan be unsportsmanlike, creating a negative atmosphere for players andfans. One example is the practice of “taking a dive” or “diving”, whereplayers pretend to be injured or impeded by the other side to gainfavourable rulings from a referee. This undermines the integrity of thegame and rules, and emphasises acting rather than ball-control skills.“Diving” can unjustly sway the outcome of a game, for example where apenalty shot on goal is awarded.

Fourthly, the physical design of basic goal structures being two polesembedded in the playing field and joined by a crossbar, supporting anoptional net, is not inherently strong because it lacks cross-bracing.

In summary, the rules and apparatus of football make it relatively hardto score in open running play, although relatively easy to score frompenalty shots. This can encourage a negative approach to the game.

PRIOR ART REVIEW

The prior art classified under CPC class A63B includes US2004018897(Nelson) in which the rules of play, but not the goal structures, arealtered in order to enhance the game which is for two players only.US558338 (Taub) describes a goal having a net providing a plannedrebound trajectory although it provides no zones over a player surface.U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,889 (Tomczak) describes a football type game havinga net across the median line of the field and the entire with of theends the field are return panels providing a controlled reboundtrajectory. FR2750873 provides a pyramidal structure having a circularaperture within for receiving an accurately kicked ball, and some rules.FR2850290 (Boua) describes a block to be placed on a transverse bar of aconventional football goal in order to define a target zone, forpractice purposes. GB2387786 (O'Connor) describes a football game makinguse of lighting for the players' apparel and for pitch markings.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

In comparison to football as currently played, this invention comprisinga combination of a zoned goal structure, a set of rules and preferablyalso a marked field, is intended to overcome the previously describedproblems and allow higher-scoring matches, and to reward kicking orhitting skills and positive goal-seeking play.

OBJECT

An object of the present application is to provide a goal structure anda set of accompanying rules for use in ball sports, or at least toprovide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In a first broad aspect the invention provides apparatus namely a goalstructure, and provides a procedure comprising a marked playing field orpitch having a field surface and a related set of rules for a ball gamein which the players of each of two competing teams endeavour to collecta higher score than the other team while defending their own goal;wherein the goal structure presents a semicircular player surface towardthe playing field; a diameter of the semicircle is placed upon the fieldsurface and an upper edge of the goal is extended upward whilephysically supported at a selected angle or tilt relative to the fieldsurface, the semicircular player surface comprises a plurality ofcolored and visually distinctive concentric zones symmetric within thescoring face; each zone having a designated value to be added to theteam's score if hit by the ball after an acceptable sequence of play asdetermined by the set of rules has taken place; said set of rulesallocating a higher score to a more central zone of the player surface.

Preferably each zone is allocated a designated value if hit by the ballfrom at least a designated range after an acceptable sequence of play,or a greater value if hit from a farther distance, as determined by theset of rules and markings on the playing field, thereby adding to thescore of the team.

Preferably the game does not allow the ball to be handled except atthrowins.

In a major aspect, the set of rules is optimised for a game in which aconventional spherical football (association football) is kicked at thegoal and the selected tilt provides that the upper edge is further fromthe field than the lower surface.

Preferably the selected tilt is an included angle of 70 degrees from theflat surface.

Preferably the goal presents a series of three concentric zones upon thesemicircular player surface.

In one option a centre zone is colored red, a middle zone is white, andan outer zone is blue.

In a related aspect, the or each goal is comprised of a rigid woodenplaying surface supported in position by a support frame; the rigidplaying surface having a mass in order to provide sufficient inertia tocause the ball to be reflected back toward the players after hitting theplaying surface.

Optionally the playing surface includes a force-absorbing property inorder that the ball is reflected with loss of kinetic energy, and hencea reduced velocity.

Optionally each of the concentric zones is mechanically at leastpartially isolated from adjacent zones in order that, when in use,scores are more clearly identified by zone.

Further optionally, the or each goal may include means to provide anobvious physical deflection upon receiving an impact from a ball therebyproviding a dampening effect.

In a second major aspect, the set of rules defines a symmetrical fieldhaving a perimeter with, in plan view, an outline comprised of twosemicircles separated by a rectangular middle portion; each of the goalsbeing located beyond a periphery of each semicircle and separated fromthe playing field by a marked goal zone from which all players areexcluded; each goal being surrounded by two part-circular playing fieldmarkings centered upon the goal; a closer part-circular marking defininga closest limit for a player from the attacking team and a fartherpart-circular marking defining a closest position from which a playercan claim the higher score from a ball kicked at the goal.

In a related aspect, at least one zone of the playing surface of the oreach goal is provided with at least one identifiable ball-impact sensingmeans selected from a range including: acoustic means, electricaltransducer means, optical sensing means including video cameras, andmeans permitting temporary physical deflection of the zone upon impact;the means thereby demonstrating which zone has received the ball impact.

Preferred acoustic means are selected from a range including bells ofvarious sizes, gongs, chimes, rattles, snare-drum chains, and othermechanisms which, when in use, create a distinctive noise on impact thatmay be related by players to a specific zone.

Preferably the deflection means provides that each scoring zone may behinged substantially at ground level, so that each scoring zone willtend to swing backwards when hit by a ball at speed, allowing visualidentification of the scoring zone or zones which have been hit.

Optionally, each hinged scoring zone has a gradual return mechanismwhich returns the scoring zone to its original position after a delay.

In a subsidiary aspect, at least one electrical transducer mountedbehind and in mechanical contact with at least one zone is connected bywires or wireless means to readout means selected from a range includinglights within the player surface of the goal, a referee display and aremote scoreboard.

Preferably electrically transduced score-indicating means are selectedfrom a range including electronically triggered sounds, lights,audiovisual broadcast, computer-generated reconstructions includingvisual reconstructions of ball impacts with goal surfaces, and updatingof visible scoreboards.

In one version an electronic circuit including timers causes an array ofembedded light-emitting diodes within any one zone of the player surfaceand visible from the playing area to flash for a short period after animpact has been detected.

Optionally, dedicated analysis means is connected in between said atleast one electrical transducer and the readout means; said dedicatedanalysis means including digital computing means capable when in use ofdetermining which zone received an impact from a ball and includingdecision means to define a score if the impact was received across aboundary between zones.

Preferably the readout means will display the location of the impactupon a reproduced image of the player surface of the goal upon thereferee display and upon the remote scoreboard.

In a second broad aspect the invention provides a goal structure adaptedfor use by children; wherein the or each goal is comprised of a seriesof semi-circular flexible membranes each delimiting a zone andsemicircular membrane support means.

Preferably the semicircular membrane support means comprises adherentsealed, flexible and distendable pressurisable tubes each includingone-way valves capable of receiving an outlet from a source of air underpressure.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The description of the invention to be provided herein is given purelyby way of example and is not to be taken in any way as limiting thescope or extent of the invention.

Throughout this specification unless the text requires otherwise, theword “comprise” and variations such as “comprising” or “comprises” willbe understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step orgroup of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer orstep or group of integers or steps. Each document, reference, patentapplication or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporatedherein in their entirety by reference. Reference to cited material orinformation cited in the text should not be understood as a concessionthat the material or information was part of the common generalknowledge or was known in New Zealand or in any other country.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: shows a player's view of the goal structure.

FIG. 2a : shows a side view of the goal including a strut to set a tilt.

FIG. 2b shows a side view of a goal in which the different zones areoffset in surface height.

FIG. 2c shows a spring-loaded hinge by which the zones of the goalstructure can be pivotably attached to the beam.

FIG. 3: shows a playing field which may be used with the goal.

FIG. 4: shows an example electric “score-indicator” flashing-lightscircuit diagram.

FIG. 5: is a perspective view of a version of the goal structure that isreliant on air pressure for its erection.

EXAMPLE 1A Goal Structure

A goal structure according to the invention provides three scoring zonesarranged concentrically. (Other numbers of zones may be used). Theinventor has applied his trade mark “LAASGOAL™” to the goal structure.See FIG. 1, showing the overall semicircular shape of the goal (100) asseen from a front view, uncluttered by supports. The base or diameter ofthe semicircle is located substantially in the same plane as the surfaceof the playing field—although for some sports the goal may be elevatedand circular rather than a half-circle. For football played by a team ofadults the height of the top edge of the goal above the playing field isabout one and a half metres (5 feet) and the diameter is about 3 metres(10 feet). There is a player surface, facing into the playing field. Ina preferred version there are three concentric zones: a first innerscoring zone (121), second intermediate scoring zone (122), and thirdouter scoring zone (123) and all are supported upon the ground by asuitable frame (example: pipe 110). Preferably each goal structure iseasily folded up for storage in an adjacent shed or for transport.

The different zones are colored with paint or an equivalent, or by useof colored material and preferably the inner zone is colored red; themiddle zone is colored white, and the outer zone is colored blue. Thisselection suits those players with red/green color blindness andcoincides with availability of high-brightness light emitting diodes(see below). For scoring purposes a higher value is allocated to thecentral zone of the player surface since that one requires the bestaccuracy in kicking. That higher value is multiplied by the distanceover which the kick was made, reflecting greater accuracy yet with nointerception by the other side.

The inventor's intention is that contact with any one scoring zone willbe indicated unequivocally (see below) although there will be occasionsin which the ball hits on a border between zones. Since the ball is notheld within a net a form of “event capture” is useful. Recognition ofthe precise nature of the contact may be aided by constructionalfeatures or by electrical or acoustic transducers. See later in thissection.

The or each goal (100) is comprised of a rigid playing surface (aszones; 121, 122, 123). If necessary it is supported in position by rigidmembers selected from a range including straight and curved beams, andone or more angled struts (124) extended from the rear optionallyanchored into the ground with pegs in order to absorb substantialkinetic energy and allow the mass of the goal itself to be substantiallyreduced. Since it is intended that the ball is reflected back to theplayers after a score is made, the playing surface preferably hassignificant inertia in order that the goal is not damaged by impact andin order that the resilient ball bounces off and is reflected backtoward the players after hitting the playing surface. For example thesurface may be wooden, such as a multi-layered plywood which has massand is stiff enough that an impact is “shared” horizontally.

It may prove to be desirable that some of the kinetic energy of thekicked ball is dissipated within a force-dampening means in order thatthe ball is reflected with a reduced velocity. One exampleforce-dampening means comprises a deformable perhaps pitted surface in arubbery coating upon the player surface; also, a selected surface maytend to grip the ball.

Preferably the selected tilt is an included angle of 70 degrees from theflat surface with the top of the goal farther from the playing field, asshown in FIG. 2a . As a result, returned balls fly at a higher angle. Onthe other hand this effect could be dangerous if the goal was used forexample in a field hockey game and for such games the tilt angle mightbe complementary to 70 degrees—tilted forward at the top. In FIG. 2a , avertical cross-section of the goal structure, a support frame includesthe frame, as a bar or pipe (110) joined to the lower edge of eachscoring zone, with an extended strut (112) lying upon the ground locatedat an angle from the bar sufficient to keep the goal (100) at a desiredorientation. As illustrated, the goal face is at an angle ofsubstantially 70° from horizontal, sloping away from the field of play.This could be varied, for example by using a spiralling series of screwapertures drilled and tapped into bar (110) and letting the users selectwhich aperture to insert the strut 112 (here shown with a screw endscrewed into the pipe 110) into for a desired angle of tilt and a givensoftness of ground.

Ideally, ball impact with any one scoring zone should be unequivocallydisplayed and preferably over a short period of time after actualimpact. There are several options for putting this requirement intoeffect which shall be described under Example 1B below.

In one structure-related option as shown in FIG. 2b , each of theconcentric zones 121, 122 and 123 is mechanically isolated from adjacentzones upon a rear support 125 in order that, when in use, an impact onone zone has a specific physical effect on that zone alone. For example,the second scoring zone (122) may be mounted slightly further from theplayers than the first and third scoring zones (121, 123). Alternativelyeach zone may be hingedly mounted on the frame 110 and shown in detailin FIG. 2 c.

EXAMPLE 1B Scoring Indicators

An example of mechanical means to provide an obvious physicalfalling-back deflection by any one zone upon receiving an impact from aball and thereby also providing a dampening effect comprise theadditional structures of (A) a hinge (113) at each end of the contactbetween bar (110) and any one sector, plus a return spring (114)associated with the bar and the impacted sector that pushes the attachedsector back and restores its intended tilt after an impact. Theresulting motion would last long enough to be seen by players and thereferee. The cross-section of FIG. 2c is made at a different place alongbar than FIG. 2a , and is shown in a larger scale.

Optionally, each hinged scoring zone has a damper attached (not shown)which prevents oscillation and provides a gradual return of the zone toits original position during a time.

Non-mechanical means that may also be fitted to a goal having multiplescoring zones include:

-   -   1. Acoustic impact indicators fitted to each separate scoring        zone. Each zone is associated with a distinct noise, which is        reliably and simply created by impact of a ball with the zone.        Selected scoring zones may be equipped with simple noise making        devices (not illustrated) such as bells, rattles, drums,        snare-drum combinations, and chains. The bells, in particular,        may be selected by tune so that people can identify the score by        the sound. Some scoring zones may be left without extra noise        making devices.    -   2. Each scoring zone is equipped with one or more electrical or        electronic impact sensors—a single axis is sufficient—selected        from an example range including (a) microswitches (402) each        having a weight (401) on a free end of an actuating lever, (b)        moving-coil speakers, and (c) accelerometers including digitally        compatible modules containing accelerometer chips. Of course any        such device is inherently robust when encased in a housing. The        device and is mounted on the surface opposite the player        surface. The impact of a ball on a scoring zone will then result        in an impact signal being generated. Each sensor produces its        own characteristic signal.        -   a. For a microswitch as shown in the circuit of FIG. 4,            closure of the normally-open contacts caused by vibration            affecting the weight 401 will ground a signal line that is            otherwise pulled to a working voltage supplied from a            battery through a resistor (403) or other current limiting            means. The signal line can trigger a timer circuit (assuming            a 555 integrated circuit (404), for which only some of the            ancillary components are shown here) connected in a            “one-shot configuration” to generate a current to drive a            steady or a blinking light for a period of time set by            capacitor 405. For example, three seconds. The output of            part 404 is taken to a second 555 integrated circuit (406)            configured as an oscillator at a rate of for example 200 mS            although prevented from oscillating unless part 404 is at            the time in a timing process. The output of part 406 is            either directly or through current boosting means passed            through an array of light-emitting diodes 409. These are            mounted within the player surface for example by being            pushed from the rear of the zone into 5 mm holes drilled in            a pattern so that their free ends are visible from the            player side. The lights 409 are preferably of a color            matching that of the zone in which they are embedded, such            as red, white and blue lights—or it may be sufficient to            provide the circuit for the innermost zone only as a kind of            operant conditioning to encourage kicking accuracy. While            this device, illustrated diagrammatically only in FIG. 4, is            more complex than the direct acoustic means, it provides a            kind of “bling” that may drive acceptance of the invention.            It is powered from a battery connected between the (+) line            and the earth symbol. The result as seen is a train of            flashes lasting for a total of for example three seconds.        -   b. A moving-coil speaker used as a generator is a            single-axis transducer of motion. Its response is linear            with respect to impact amplitude which may assist a            computerised score generating device to decide which zone            has been hit. The signal line can drive a timer circuit as            previously described through an amplifier; for example            comprising a transistor connected in the common-base            configuration with the speaker coil capacitatively coupled            to the emitter.        -   c. In a practical installation, direct transducer signals or            derivations of them may be transmitted by a wireless link to            a remote receiver, which may be (i) a cellphone carried by a            referee, or (ii) a receiver connected through optional            computing and score-keeping means to appropriate display            drivers which control a fixed scoreboard that the spectators            can see. For example, the scoreboard may show a            representation of both teams' goals with the most recent            impact highlighted and a running score adjacent. Of course,            automation of scoring is likely to require human input that            defines from where the goal had been kicked. Details of this            type of interlink will be familiar to those skilled in the            arts of scoreboard design and management.    -   3. Optical devices that are useful in order to monitor impacts        include video cameras, and still cameras triggered by the actual        impact.

EXAMPLE 2 Field and Rules

The inventor has attached his trade mark “LAASBALL™” to the game, as setdown by the rules and as played with a zoned goal as previouslydescribed in this section. As is usual, a playing field allows use ofthe goal in a competitive game. See FIG. 3, where a symmetrical playingfield (300) is shown in plan view. Preferably the outer perimeter of thefield as seen in plan view has an outline comprised of two semicirclesseparated by a rectangular middle portion. Goals (100) are provided ateach end of the field. Each of the goals (100) is located just outside aperiphery of each semicircle. Each goal is the centre for twopart-circular markings lines (321 and 322) made upon the surface of thefield. In front of each goal is a goal area (310) inside the closestline marking which is intended to be always out of bounds for playersduring play. Players of either team within the goal area (310) aredeemed to be “off-side”. This creates a free area in front of each goal,encouraging attacking play and reducing the risk of players collidingwith the goal. The line (321) is a boundary line for the attackingplayers, who may not cross. The defending players are allowed in thearea between line (321) and the goal area. Line (322) is used, accordingto the rules, to weight a successful kick with more points. That linedefines the closest edge of the higher-scoring part of the playing fieldor pitch, rewarding better kicking skills over a longer distance. Therules thereby encourage attacking play.

Example scoring for use with the three-zone goal as described in Example1a provides scores as follows:

-   -   1. A strike from between lines 321 and 322 on the innermost zone        scores three.    -   2. A strike from between lines 321 and 322 to the intermediate        zone scores two.    -   3. A strike from between lines 321 and 322 to the outermost zone        scores one. Then,    -   4. A strike on the innermost zone from beyond line 322 scores        six.    -   5. A strike to the intermediate zone from beyond line 322 scores        four.    -   6. A strike to the outermost zone from beyond line 322 scores        two.

Preferably it is a rule of play that the ball must pass through a goalarea in a valid scoring shot, to allow for reasonable opportunities todefend the goals. That is one reason why the perimeter of the playingarea has rounded ends.

Other rules of play that the inventor would like to include are:

No “diving”—or a deduction of score against the team.

No verbal abuse especially of the referee—or a deduction of scoreagainst the team.

The extent of body contact allowed can be predetermined by the teams orothers in order to enhance the competitive and exercise aspects of agame. A range might extend from “none at all” through intermediatelevels to “rugby type contacts”.

Variations

A variant of the invention is adapted for use by children (though notexclusively so; it might be used in practice.). This variant (see FIG.5) may be useful for those who want to practice, or who have a limitedspace and a small number in their teams. This version could be used forkicking practice. The same concept of the goal is provided. The set ofrules is adapted for use by children. For safety, storage andportability each goal (500) is comprised of a series of semi-circularflexible membranes and semicircular membrane support means; namelyinflatable tubes, preferably assembled from flexible PVC plasticsmaterial using heat-sealing such as ultrasonic welding machines toconstruct the goal structure. Air pressure is used to erect the goalwhen it is needed. The overall height of this variant may be 0.5 metres.The semicircular, concentric zones (501, 502, 503) are comprised of cutplastics film. These will not have significant capacity to return animpacting ball. The membrane support means comprises one or moreadherent sealed, flexible and sealed, distendable pressurisable tubes(504) bonded as previously described to the edges of the plastics zoneshapes. One or more one-way valves (505) capable of receiving an outletfrom a source of air under pressure are used to connect an air supply,or to release air. For a source of air pressure it may be possible tosimply blow it up, or use a bicycle pump or a small electric pump. Thevalve (505) is used to hold the air under pressure until the goalstructure has to be put away. This design is cheap and very safe for useby children. It is potentially colorful. It naturally resembles arainbow; otherwise the same red, white and blue sequence as forfull-size goal structures can be used. It may be used with water ballsports as a floating goal.

Other field games sharing a similar low-integer-score disadvantage withfootball include field hockey. The same goal structure, perhaps with avariation of the previously described tilt angle as appropriate for eachgame, may be used in order to enhance the game.

Finally it will be understood that the scope of this invention asdescribed and/or illustrated herein is not limited to the specifiedembodiments. Those of skill will appreciate that various modifications,additions, known equivalents, and substitutions are possible withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. Apparatus including a goal structure and a set of rules for a ballgame to be played on a playing field having a horizontal field surface,in which the players of each of two competing teams endeavour to collecta higher score than the other team by directing a ball at one of twogoals while defending their own goal; wherein the goal structurepresents a semicircular player surface toward the playing field; adiameter of the semicircle is placed upon the field surface and an upperedge of the goal is extended upward while physically supported at aselected angle or tilt relative to the field surface, the semicircularplayer surface comprises a plurality of colored and visually distinctiveconcentric zones symmetric within the scoring face; each zone having adesignated value to be added to the team's score if hit by the ballafter an acceptable sequence of play as determined by the set of ruleshas taken place; said set of rules allocating a higher score to a morecentral zone of the player surface.
 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1,wherein the set of rules is optimised for a game in which a conventionalfootball is kicked at the goal and the selected angle or tilt providesthat the upper edge is further from the field than the lower surface. 3.Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the selected angle or tilt isan included angle of 70 degrees from the flat surface.
 4. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 2, wherein each goal presents a series of threeconcentric zones upon the semicircular player surface.
 5. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 4, wherein the or each goal is comprised of a rigidwooden playing surface supported in position by a support frame; theplaying surface having an inertia in order to cause the ball to bereflected back toward the players after hitting the playing surface. 6.Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the set of rules defines asymmetrical playing field having a perimeter with, in plan view, anoutline comprised of two semicircles separated by a rectangular middleportion; each of the goals being located beyond a periphery of eachsemicircle and separated from the playing field by a marked goal zonefrom which all players are excluded; each goal being surrounded by twopart-circular playing field markings centered upon the goal; a closerpart-circular marking defining a closest limit for a player from theattacking team and a farther part-circular marking defining a closestposition from which a player can claim the higher score from a ballkicked at the goal.
 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein at leastone zone of the playing surface of the or each goal is provided with atleast one identifiable ball-impact sensing means selected from a rangeincluding: acoustic means, electrical transducer means, optical sensingmeans including video cameras, and mechanical means permitting temporaryphysical deflection of the zone upon impact; the means therebydemonstrating which zone has received the ball impact.
 8. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 7, wherein at least one electrical transducer isconnected by wire or wireless means to readout means selected from arange including lights within the player surface of the goal, a refereedisplay and a scoreboard.
 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, whereindedicated analysis means is connected in between said at least oneelectrical transducer and the readout means; said dedicated analysismeans including digital computing means.
 10. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 8, wherein the readout means is configured to display the locationof the impact upon a displayed image of the player surface of the oreach goal.
 11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 particularly adapted foruse by children, wherein the or each goal structure is comprised of aseries of semi-circular flexible membranes each delimiting a zone andcapable when in use of being supported around at least the perimeter ofthe semicircle by adherent flexible and distendable pressurisable tubeseach or collectively including valved connecting means capable ofreceiving an outlet from a source of air under pressure.
 12. Apparatusas claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of rules and the goal isoptimised for a game in which a conventional hockey ball is directed bycontrol or impact by hockey sticks and the selected angle provides thatthe upper edge is closer to the field than the lower surface. 13.Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the readout means is configuredto display the location of the impact upon a displayed image of theplayer surface of the or each goal.